Plug Tuning For Salmon
How to tune and wrap plugs for river kings.
Fishing Reports
Reports From The Water
Find recent bite updates by water, species, and guide. Then jump into the gear and videos connected to those reports.
Latest From The Water
Recent Reports
Quick updates from guides and anglers, organized so shoppers can find the bite faster.
Browse By Water
Lake & River Reports
Start with where you fish, then narrow into the newest bite information.
Lake ReportsLake Berryessa
Kokanee, trout, dodgers, spoons, and guide updates.
Lake ReportsShasta LakeReservoir trout, landlocked kings, depth, and baitfish lanes.
Lake ReportsLake OrovilleOpen-water trolling updates for trout and salmon.
River ReportsSacramento RiverPlug tuning, wraps, scent, and river salmon conditions.
Browse By Species
Reports By Bite
Jump straight to the reports that match what you are chasing.
Species ReportsTrout
Spoons, minnows, flies, plastics, scent, and reservoir trolling.
Species ReportsKokaneeDodgers, hoochies, spinners, corn, depth, speed, and scent.
Species ReportsSalmonRiver and ocean reports with flashers, plugs, bait, and scent.
Species ReportsStriped BassDelta trolling, baitfish color, current, and water movement.
Browse By Guide
Guide Reports
Follow updates from the guides behind the gear and on-water programs.
Guide ReportsBig Nate
Lake Berryessa kokanee, trout, scent, and trolling updates.
Guide ReportsJeff GoodwinNorthern California salmon, trout, and kokanee reports.
Guide ReportsAustin MoserNorthwest salmon updates, flashers, plugs, and bait programs.
Guide ReportsDavid JohnsonOregon salmon reports and changing river conditions.
Gear From Reports
Shop What Shows Up
Find the tackle families most often connected to current reports.
Report GearSpoons
Search baits for trout, landlocked salmon, and open water.
Report GearDodgersFlash and kick for kokanee, trout, and light trolling spreads.
Report GearFlashersRotating flash for salmon and larger trolling presentations.
Report GearHard BaitsPlugs and bait profiles for trout and salmon programs.
Report GearScentsGuide-used scent options for trolling setups.
Watch In Page
Report Videos & Tutorials
Helpful videos stay on the page so shoppers can learn without leaving Catch America.
Salmon Gear Breakdown
Flash, bait, and hardware for big salmon water.
Kokanee Trolling Setup
Dodgers, scent, speed, and presentation notes.
Fishing Report FAQ
How To Use Reports
Use reports to understand conditions, then match the presentation to your water.
How often are reports updated?
Reports are added as new guide updates, field notes, and fishing conditions come in.
Why do some reports not show photos?
If a report does not have a useful image, the page shows the report without a blank or broken image area.
Where should I go after reading a report?
Use the gear links and species pages to find the tackle family mentioned in the report, then choose the setup that fits your water.
Rufus Woods Reservoir Fishing Report | May 12, 2026
Report by Capt. Austin Moser Austin Moser runs Austin's Northwest Adventures on Eastern Washington waters and is a Catch America pro-staff guide. Shop Austin Moser's tackle. What is working right now Rufus Woods is on fire for giant triploid trout, with the crew landing 30 to 50 fish in the 7 to 12 pound class in a single day. The go-to was a Hawken Aerojig tipped with a trimmed Trix Minnow tail, worked casting, under a Hawken Aero-Float slip bobber, and on back plug rods. When the sun climbed, a gold T-Pex with a Trix Minnow triggered a triple. What is biting at Rufus Woods Reservoir right now?Massive triploid rainbow trout. These sterile fish put all their energy into growth, and Capt. Austin Moser's crew landed 30 to 50 of them in the 7 to 12 pound range in one day, roughly 450 pounds of fish. Constant tank-class action from first cast to last. What lures caught the Rufus Woods triploids?Cast Hawken Aerojigs tipped with a trimmed Trix Minnow tail for added attraction, black-and-white being the hot jig color. Austin also ran a Hawken Aero-Float slip-bobber rig and back plug rods, then a gold T-Pex with a Trix Minnow when the sun got high. How does Austin rig the Trix Minnow on a jig?He cuts a little less than half off a Trix Minnow, trims it pointed and hydrodynamic, then threads it straight and centered on the jig hook so it lays in line. No bait or scent is used, which keeps the catch-and-release fishery legal. The trimmed tail adds action and attraction. How deep and how were the fish holding at Rufus Woods?Austin sight-fished trout right on the bottom, watching them rise to inspect and eat the jig. For the slip bobber he set the Aero-Float to hold the jig within one to two feet of the bottom, shortening a foot at a time until it floated free. The crew anchored in current and flatlined plugs and flies with light weight. What was the guide's outlook at Rufus Woods?Austin called it a phenomenal, non-stop morning and expects the fishery to keep producing big triploids in the 7 to 12 pound class. Water temperature was a chilly start near 32 degrees. Exact trolling speed was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Austin Moser): We're casting with some jigs this morning, and I like to add this little tail of the Trix Minnow. Little added attraction for your lure. So the sun got high in the sky, our bite started to slow down, and we're going to put one of these T-Pexes on. I'm going to add a Trix Minnow to it. Oh, back rod T-Pex is off! Double, both rods are going off. We probably caught over 30 fish. Rufus Woods Reservoir May 12, 2026 FAQ How big are the triploid trout at Rufus Woods?On this trip they ran 7 to 12 pounds, with the crew landing 30 to 50 fish for roughly 450 pounds in a day. What is the best jig color for Rufus Woods triploids?Black and white was the ticket on the casting jigs and the bobber rod. Can you use bait at Rufus Woods?Austin fished no bait and no scent to keep the catch-and-release fishery legal, using a trimmed Trix Minnow tail on the jig instead. What is an Aero-Float rig?A Hawken Aero-Float slip bobber over an inline weight and fluorocarbon to an Aerojig, set within one to two feet of the bottom. Does the T-Pex work for big trout?Yes. A gold T-Pex with a Trix Minnow triggered a triple once the sun got high and the jig bite slowed. Who guides Rufus Woods for Catch America?Capt. Austin Moser of Austin's Northwest Adventures. Shop the Tackle Hawken Aerojig Hackle Jig Trix Minnows 3" Soft Bait Hawken Aero-Floats Slip Floats T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Shop Capt. Austin Moser's Tackle Shop Trout Soft Plastics
Learn moreMonterey Bay Fishing Report | May 8, 2026
Report by Jeff P. Jeff P. of Linksup Boards ran this early-season Monterey Bay Chinook trip using the Catch America Optimizer. What is working right now King salmon are biting the west edge of the SoCal hole on Monterey Bay in early May. The winning setup was a single Optimizer Size 4 spoon run at 180 feet on the downrigger, trolled about 2.5 mph. The flasher came off and the bare spoon did the work. Water was warm and clear with no anchovy bait, so a bright natural spoon shined. What is biting in Monterey Bay right now?King (Chinook) salmon are the target on the west edge of the SoCal hole. It is early in the season and the bite is slow, with hundreds of boats going empty. Jeff P. still boxed a Chinook on his first troll of the year using the Optimizer Size 4. How deep were the salmon in Monterey Bay?The fish came at 180 feet on the downrigger wire, right at the tip of the SoCal hole. Jeff sent the spoon down 180 feet and hooked up not long after crossing into the hole. Bait was scarce, so covering that deep zone was key. What lure caught the Monterey Bay Chinook?A Catch America Optimizer Size 4 spoon with a single barbless hook. Jeff started behind a chartreuse flasher with no action, then removed the flasher. The bare spoon, described as blinding bright, drew the strike in warm clear water with no anchovies around. What trolling speed worked for Monterey Bay salmon?About 2.5 miles per hour on the downrigger at 180 feet. This is a fast-troll spoon presentation. Jeff let the natural shine and shimmer of the Optimizer do the job rather than relying on an attractor flasher. What was the guide's outlook for Monterey Bay?Jeff expects the salmon to move closer to shore as the season builds and plans to keep running the Optimizer for the rest of the year. This was his first salmon trip, first troll, and first Chinook of the season. Exact water temperature was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Jeff P.): We just got one salmon in the box and we are real lucky because there's hundreds of people that have zero. And we did it with the Optimizer at 180 feet on the downrigger going about two and a half miles an hour. This water is warm and clear. There's no bait, there's no anchovies. So we're just running the straight Catch America. It didn't take long after I took off that big flasher. Monterey Bay May 8, 2026 FAQ How deep were the salmon caught in Monterey Bay in May 2026?At 180 feet on the downrigger, right at the tip of the SoCal hole. What spoon works for Monterey Bay Chinook?The Optimizer Size 4 with a single barbless hook, run bare without a flasher. Do you need a flasher for Monterey Bay salmon?Not on this trip. Jeff removed the chartreuse flasher and the bare Optimizer spoon triggered the bite in clear water. What trolling speed for Monterey Bay salmon?About 2.5 miles per hour, a fast-troll spoon presentation. Why was the bite slow in Monterey Bay?It was early season with warm, clear water and no anchovy bait, so most of the fleet was not catching. Jeff still landed one. Who caught this Monterey Bay report?Jeff P. of Linksup Boards, fishing with Catch America gear. Shop the Tackle Optimizer Size 4 Trolling Spoon Shop Trolling Spoons
Learn moreCrescent Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Pete Fisher Pete Fisher fished Crescent Lake in Washington from his kayak for this Catch America report. What is working right now Pete Fisher had just a 90-minute window at Crescent Lake, Washington, and boated 12 trout on the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug in Seahawk color, fished straight out of the package. He ran a legal two-hook rig with three 5-millimeter beads so the hook rides clear of the spinning tail. The wounded-baitfish shimmy was too much for the trout to resist. What is catching trout at Crescent Lake right now?The Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug in Seahawk color. Pete Fisher boated 12 trout in about 90 minutes running the plug, even without stuffing the cavity with scent or tuna. The wounded-baitfish shimmy alone drew repeated takedowns. How do you rig the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug at Crescent Lake?Pete ran a two-hook rig, which is legal at this lake, with three 5-millimeter beads. The beads keep the hook clear of the tail so it does not foul while the plug spins. He fished it straight out of the package with no added scent. How did the Crescent Lake trip go?Fast. Pete had three takedowns before the first hookup, then a second fish on the fourth takedown. He soon switched to running all cut plugs and they were tearing it up, ending with 12 fish boated in roughly an hour and a half before he had to head home. Does the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug need scent to work?Not here. Pete ran it straight out of the package without stuffing the cavity with scent or tuna, and the spinning wounded-baitfish action was enough to fool 12 trout in a short window. Stuffing the plug is an option for adding scent when needed. What is the takeaway from Crescent Lake?If you want to be more effective at catching trout, add the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug to your arsenal. Pete's short session shows how quickly the plug can produce, with 12 fish in 90 minutes on the Seahawk color. Watch the full report From the report (Pete Fisher): We are hooked up, pulling the Seahawk Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug. I got a two-hook rig, which is legal here in this lake, and I have three five-millimeter beads, so the hook is clear of the tail when it is spinning. Report on the day, 12 fish boated on the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug after about an hour and a half of fishing. Crescent Lake May 2026 FAQ What lure caught trout at Crescent Lake in this report?The Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug in Seahawk color, fished straight out of the package. How many trout did Pete catch at Crescent Lake?12 fish in about 90 minutes. How do you rig the Kokanee Cut Plug at Crescent Lake?A two-hook rig with three 5-millimeter beads to keep the hook clear of the spinning tail. Do you need scent in the Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug?No. Pete ran it without scent or tuna and still boated 12 trout. What color Kokanee Cut Plug worked at Crescent Lake?Seahawk. Where is this Crescent Lake?Crescent Lake, Washington, fished from a kayak. Is a two-hook rig legal at Crescent Lake?Pete noted a two-hook rig is legal at this lake. Check current regulations before fishing. Shop the Tackle Brad's Kokanee Cut Plug Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreTruckee River Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Matt Heron Matt Heron of Matt Heron Fly Fishing runs a fly fishing school and outfitter in Truckee, California, and reports for Catch America. What is working right now The Truckee River is coming into prime shape at the end of May 2026. Flows are dropping and water temps sit in the mid-50s, the feeding sweet spot. Fish are keyed on size 16 to 18 Baetis and March Browns, transitioning to PMDs and early Green Drakes in June. The Little Truckee is in flood stage at 600 cfs, best on an 18 Baetis. The Nevada side is fishing well on nymphs. How is the Truckee River fishing right now?Really coming into shape. Flows are dropping in the Glenshire stretch and the canyon, and water temps run 50 to 57 degrees, right in the mid-50s Goldilocks zone where fish want to feed. Matt Heron got into a nice canyon rainbow on a streamer on a cloudy day. What flies are working on the Truckee River in late May?Keep size 16 and 18 Mayflies on hand. Fish are keyed on spring Baetis, seen almost daily, plus larger March Browns in a 14 or 16. Caddis are around too, tan or olive, size 16 to 18, with color not mattering much right now. What is the fly outlook heading into June on the Truckee?The March Browns will dissipate over the next couple of weeks and give way to summer PMDs and maybe early Green Drakes in a 10 or 12. For the end of May it is still Baetis and March Browns, but June brings the PMD hatch. How is the Little Truckee River fishing?The opposite of the Truckee. It dropped then went back to full flood stage at 600 cfs. Dry fly fishing is limited with few fish feeding on top. An 18 Baetis has been the fly of choice. As the water drops it should trigger the springtime and early summer hatches. How is the Nevada side of the Truckee fishing?Very well. Matt is running float trips east and west of Reno with flows and temperatures in great shape. Expect mostly nymphing with a little dry fly fishing if you get lucky. Conditions are similar to the California stretch. Watch the full report From the report (Matt Heron): Water temps are anywhere from 50 to 57, so we are right in that mid-50 zone, especially by the afternoon, which is absolute for feeding fish. I would keep a selection of size 16 and 18 Mayflies on you. Fish are still keying in on our spring Baetis, which we are seeing almost daily. As far as the Little Truckee goes, it went back up into full-blown flood stage. It is at 600 cfs. Truckee River May 2026 FAQ What flies work on the Truckee River in late May 2026?Size 16 to 18 Baetis and March Browns, plus tan or olive Caddis in a 16 to 18. What is the water temperature on the Truckee River?About 50 to 57 degrees, right in the mid-50s feeding zone. What is the flow on the Little Truckee River?It is at 600 cfs, in full flood stage. What fly works on the Little Truckee right now?An 18 Baetis has been the fly of choice. What hatches are coming in June on the Truckee?Summer PMDs and possibly early Green Drakes in a 10 or 12. How is the Nevada side of the Truckee fishing?Very well, mostly nymphing on float trips east and west of Reno. Should I wade the Truckee canyon right now?Be careful. It is still somewhat high around 800 to 900 cfs, but dropping and clearing. Shop the Tackle Shop Trout Flies Shop Trout Gear
Learn moreShasta Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Jeff Goodwin Jeff Goodwin runs Jeff Goodwin Guide Service and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Jeff Goodwin's tackle. What is working right now Shasta Lake's late-spring season has kicked off, with king salmon and kokanee leading the way. Kings are down deep on flasher and bait combos with anchovies and herring, while kokanee sit around 35 to 40 feet in the Sacramento and McCloud arms. The lake is about 15 feet from full. On the Sacramento River, wild rainbows are coming on bobber dogging and side-drifting beads. What is biting at Shasta Lake right now?King salmon and kokanee are leading, with rainbows and browns in the mix. Capt. Jeff Goodwin says the late-spring, early-summer season has kicked off with good water conditions, and this year is producing some good-size kings that are easy to target in certain areas. What depth are the Shasta kings and kokanee holding?The kings are down deep in specific areas of the lake. Kokanee are sitting right around 35 to 40 feet in the upper Sacramento arm and McCloud arm, where they are easy to mark and access. The lake is about 15 feet from full. What is working for Shasta Lake salmon?The kings are keying on flasher combos and bait combos, anchovies, herring, and similar baits. Jeff concentrates on this early salmon bite from May into June and sometimes July. Give the flasher and bait setups a try down deep. What is working on the Sacramento River?It is a catch-and-release fishery, and this is the time of year for good numbers of wild rainbow trout. Jeff does best bobber dogging or side-drifting bead presentations. Those two techniques have been most productive on the river. What is the outlook for Shasta Lake?Steady and strong. Jeff expects the king bite to continue through June, with the trout bite really picking up next month. Good water conditions and good-size kings set up a solid late-spring into summer. No specific Catch America product was named in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Jeff Goodwin): Currently we're catching Kokanee and King Salmon. There's some rainbows in the mix, and browns in the mix. Right now it's hard to beat the King fishing. A lot of these fish are going to be down deep. They're really keying in on flasher combos, and bait combos, anchovies, herring. Kokanee right now, hey, it's hard to beat the upper sections of the Sacramento arm and the McCloud arm. Fish are sitting right around 35, 40 feet. Shasta Lake May 2026 FAQ What is biting at Shasta Lake in May 2026?King salmon and kokanee, with rainbows and browns mixed in. What depth are Shasta kokanee holding?Right around 35 to 40 feet in the Sacramento and McCloud arms. What are Shasta kings biting on?Flasher combos and bait combos with anchovies and herring, fished down deep. How full is Shasta Lake?About 15 feet from full, which Jeff says is about as full as it will get this year. What works on the Sacramento River wild rainbows?Bobber dogging and side-drifting bead presentations, on a catch-and-release fishery. Who guides Shasta Lake for Catch America?Capt. Jeff Goodwin of Jeff Goodwin Guide Service. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. Jeff Goodwin's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreWillamette River Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. David Johnson David Johnson guides for spring Chinook across Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop David Johnson's tackle. What is working right now Spring Chinook are out in force in May across the Willamette River, Portland Harbor, Wind River, and Drano Lake. Capt. David Johnson is trolling Pro-Trolls with shrimp and spinners, plus wrapped Mag Lips and eggs in the tributaries. Willamette water has warmed to 61 to 62 degrees, a touch warm, but guys keep catching springers near the mouth. Expect it to hold into July. What is biting on the Willamette River right now?Spring Chinook, the prized springers. Capt. David Johnson reports the fish are out in force in May, with anglers still catching them in the Willamette and Portland Harbor near the mouth of the river. The action should continue all the way to the 4th of July. Where are the springers holding on the Willamette?Down near the mouth of the Willamette in the Portland Harbor area, plus the connected Wind River and Drano Lake in Southwest Washington and Oregon coast tributaries. David follows the springers across this system depending on wind and water. What are the water conditions on the Willamette River?The Willamette has warmed to about 61 to 62 degrees, which David notes is a little warm for springers, but anglers are still hooking them. He covers Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, moving to whichever water is fishing best. How is David rigging for spring Chinook?He trolls Pro-Trolls with shrimp and spinners, runs wrapped Mag Lips and eggs in the tributaries, and fishes herring or Pro-Trolls with spinners in Tillamook Bay. These are the presentations carrying the springer bite into June and beyond. What is the outlook for the Willamette springers?Strong. David expects the spring Chinook bite to hold across the Willamette and Portland Harbor through the 4th of July, though he has many other waters to fish. No Catch America product was specifically named in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. David Johnson): We're going to be fishing in the Wind River and Drano Lake in Southwest Washington, some of the Oregon coast and Willamette Valley tributaries, and Tillamook Bay, and those are all for spring Chinook. There's also some Willamette River fishing still going on. The water's warmed up already, it's like 62, 61 degrees. Guys are catching them on Pro-Trolls and spinners still, and in the Portland Harbor down near the mouth of the Willamette. Willamette River May 2026 FAQ What is biting on the Willamette River in May 2026?Spring Chinook, with fish still being caught near the mouth in Portland Harbor. How warm is the Willamette River water?About 61 to 62 degrees, a little warm for springers but fish are still biting. Where do you catch Willamette springers?Portland Harbor near the mouth of the Willamette, plus Wind River, Drano Lake, and coastal tributaries. How long will the Willamette springer bite last?David expects it to continue all the way until the 4th of July. What baits work for Willamette spring Chinook?Pro-Trolls with spinners, wrapped Mag Lips, eggs, and herring, depending on the water. Who provided this Willamette River report?Capt. David Johnson, a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop the Tackle Shop Capt. David Johnson's Tackle Shop Salmon Trolling Gear
Learn moreDon Pedro Lake Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Monte Smith Monte Smith runs Gold Country Sport Fishing on Don Pedro Reservoir and is a Catch America pro-staff captain. Shop Monte Smith's tackle. What is working right now Kokanee are on the bite at Don Pedro in May, with kings, rainbows, and the odd brown coming on the same trip. Fish are running 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55, under a 70-degree surface. Capt. Monte Smith is scoring on T-Pex lures and Simon Hot Tails, plus Uncle Larry's spinners and micro hoochies. Some days limits, plus bookend 4-pound kings. What is biting at Don Pedro Reservoir right now?Kokanee are really on the bite, with king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout all coming on the same trip. Capt. Monte Smith reports some days of kokanee limits, kings helping fill the salmon limit, and plenty of rainbows in the mix through a strong May. What depth are the Don Pedro fish holding?Fish are generally caught from 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55 feet. Surface water is up to 70 degrees. Some fish sit on structure. Monte ran downrigger weights right on the bottom in a shallow area and pulled a triple. What lures work at Don Pedro in May?Monte runs T-Pex lures and Simon Hot Tails, along with Uncle Larry's spinners and smaller-profile micro hoochies. One Saturday he scored on big Pro-Troll Kokanee Killers. A mix of profiles is producing right now. How is Monte presenting at Don Pedro?Slow-troll for kokanee off the downriggers, covering 40 to 65 feet. He runs weights near the bottom over structure in shallower areas, which produced a triple. The bite sometimes does not turn on until noon, so fish through the day. What is the outlook for Don Pedro Reservoir?Excellent. The water is still rising with about 10 feet to go before full, the weather is warming, and Monte calls it a great time to be out. Watch for heavy grass and large submerged logs. Boat with caution and give others room at the ramp. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Monte Smith): The kokanee are really on the bite. We're catching kokanee, king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout, all on the same trip. The fish are generally being caught around 40 to 65 feet. The sweet spot is about the 50-55 range. We're still using the Simon Hot Tails, we're using T-Pex lures, Uncle Larry's Spinners. We had a triple the other day. One was a 2-pound kokanee. We had two king salmon, exactly 4 pounds each. Don Pedro Reservoir May 2026 FAQ What depth are kokanee holding at Don Pedro in May?From 40 to 65 feet, with the sweet spot around 50 to 55 feet. What species are biting at Don Pedro Reservoir?Kokanee, king salmon, rainbow trout, and the occasional brown trout, often on the same trip. What lures work for Don Pedro kokanee?T-Pex lures, Simon Hot Tails, Uncle Larry's spinners, and micro hoochies. What is the water temperature at Don Pedro in May 2026?Surface water is up to about 70 degrees. How big are the Don Pedro kings and kokanee?Monte landed two king salmon at exactly 4 pounds each and a 2-pound kokanee on one trip, plus a 3-pound rainbow. Who guides Don Pedro for Catch America?Capt. Monte Smith of Gold Country Sport Fishing. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Hawken Simon Hot Tails Shop Capt. Monte Smith's Tackle Shop Kokanee Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and reports on San Luis Reservoir for Catch America. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir is changing fast in May 2026. Roger George reports the water falling nearly a foot a day and warming toward 80 degrees, with stripers mid-spawn and more focused on spawning than eating. Trolling to find roaming groups is the play. Fish small spoons and small jigs in bright colors like white through the thickening algae, anywhere from 20 to 80 feet down. How is the fishing at San Luis Reservoir right now?Challenging. Roger George says the stripers are mid-spawn since the last full moon and more focused on spawning than eating, so finding an active group willing to feed is harder than normal. The water is falling nearly a foot a day and heat is building, both pushing fish around. Where are the stripers holding at San Luis?Out deeper and off structure. Roger says as the water falls, fish move out into the main lake, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, rather than loading up on points, islands, or cuts. That makes them tougher to find, so covering water is key right now. What lures and colors work at San Luis Reservoir?Small spoons and small jigs are a good way to target fish as you troll. With algae getting thick and visibility dropping, Roger recommends brighter colors that stand out, like white. Silver can still work too. Fish them anywhere from 20 or 30 feet down to 50, 60, 70, or 80 feet. What presentation does Roger recommend at San Luis?Trolling. Because the spawning fish are roaming and moving quickly, trolling is a better tactic than sitting on structure to locate scattered groups. Water temperature is climbing back toward 80 degrees after a recent reading of 68, and the shad are spawning up on top when it is calm. Watch the full report From the report (Roger George): The water is starting to fall, up to a foot a day. We're also in the middle of a milt and spawning period. These fish are more focused on spawning than they are probably eating right now. Trolling may be a better tactic to try to find these groups of fish. You might want to go to colors that are a little brighter, that stand out in algae, like white. Spoons, small spoons, small jigs are another way to target fish. San Luis Reservoir May 2026 FAQ What is biting at San Luis Reservoir in May 2026?Striped bass, though they are mid-spawn and tougher to tempt, per Roger George. What depth are San Luis stripers holding?Anywhere from 20 or 30 feet down to 50, 60, 70, or 80 feet, out in the main lake. What lure colors work at San Luis right now?Brighter colors like white that stand out through thick algae, with silver also working. What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir?Climbing back toward 80 degrees after a recent reading of 68. Is trolling or structure fishing better at San Luis now?Trolling, to find roaming spawning fish that are off structure. Why is the San Luis water clarity dropping?Algae is getting thick and wind mixes it into the water, cutting visibility. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreLake Oroville Fishing Report | May 2026
Report by Capt. Brett Brady Brett Brady runs Bare Bones Guide Service and guides trout, kokanee, and steelhead waters for Catch America. Shop Brett Brady's tackle. What is working right now Lake Oroville is full and tough in May 2026. Capt. Brett Brady is scratching out king salmon and rainbow trout, with kings around 85 feet and trout near 35 feet on white hoochies and 360 rollers. Bait is scattered. He expects the bite to concentrate and improve in June and July. Bullards Bar kokanee are small so far, biting typical kokanee gear and T-Pex in pink and orange. How is the fishing at Lake Oroville right now?Tough. Capt. Brett Brady and his buddy Ron scouted Oroville and landed three fish: a king just over 4 pounds, a rainbow around 4 to 4.5 pounds, and a smaller 18 inch rainbow. Bait is scattered and light, though the lake is completely full and beautiful. What depth are the fish holding at Lake Oroville?Brett found trout around 35 feet and the salmon down near 85 feet in May 2026. The fish are scattered rather than concentrated, so cover water. He is running a mix of white hoochies and 360 rollers to search for the marks. What is biting at Bullards Bar?Small kokanee, roughly 6 to 8 inches, plus small trout of 12 to 16 inches up the North Fork Arm and Willow Creek. Brett runs typical kokanee gear with pink and orange colors and T-Pex. He expects the better kokanee bite in June and July. What is the outlook for Lake Oroville?Brett is hoping the fish pull together in June and July as bait concentrates, which should improve the bite greatly. Right now bass anglers are doing well along the North Fork Arm shoreline. Almost all the mountain lakes are open early this year because of low snowpack. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Brett Brady): As far as Oroville, man, hang on tight. It's a tough one up here. We caught three fish total for today: one nice king going a little over four pounds, another rainbow going over about four, four and a half pounds, and then a small rainbow about 18 inches. Up here on Oroville, it's been a little mix of white hoochies and 360 Rollers, about 35 feet on some of the trout, and the salmon came at about 85 feet. Lake Oroville May 2026 FAQ What is biting at Lake Oroville in May 2026?King salmon and rainbow trout, both scattered, with kings to about 4 pounds and rainbows around 4 pounds. What depth are Oroville trout and salmon holding?Trout around 35 feet and salmon near 85 feet, per Capt. Brett Brady. What lures is Brett using at Oroville?A mix of white hoochies and 360 rollers to search for scattered fish. How big are the kokanee at Bullards Bar right now?Small, about 6 to 8 inches, with the better bite expected in June and July. What kokanee gear works at Bullards Bar?Typical kokanee gear in pink and orange, including the T-Pex, mostly up the North Fork Arm. Is Lake Oroville full in May 2026?Yes. Brett says the lake is totally full with a lot of water to cover. When will the Oroville bite improve?Brett expects June and July as bait concentrates and fish pull together. Shop the Tackle T-Pex Kokanee & Trout Lure Shop Brady's Tackle Shop Salmon Gear
Learn more
